One component of training recommended for all CMPI students is music theory; however, it can be very difficult to find classes for students. In this article we will present some local and online options for music theory instruction, as well as discuss why music theory is vitally important.
The Importance of Music Theory
It is common to hear people state that music theory is as hard as rocket science or not particularly useful to the average musician. But the greater your depth of understanding of how music works, the greater your musical interpretation will be. For example, if you understand that a measure of music is traveling to a distant harmony, that can help you make decisions about what musical color to employ or which dynamics to choose. Knowing about form, structure, and rhythm can help you determine how to shape the overall arc of a composition. Understanding musical elements like chord progressions, sequences, and motives can help you determine smaller phrase shapes.
Music theory can also help considerably with other necessary music skills including sightreading, playing chamber music, learning music faster, memorizing music, and even playing in tune. Students are often shocked by how much music theory helps them to be better musicians!
Music theory classes may include a variety of different elements. Some are just straightforward written music theory, while others incorporate solfeggio (singing with do-re-mi), dictation or ear training, and even music history.
Those students who take music theory for several years may find that they are able to test out of several semesters (or even years!) of college or conservatory classes, leaving them more time for practicing and taking electives. Past CMPI fellows have tested out of whole years of multiple classes thanks to their theory classes.
Local Music Theory Options
Most of the local precollege programs offer music theory courses. Make sure to ask your program if theory is available. Here are some examples of programs that tend to be open to the entire community:
Music Institute of Chicago
Music Institute of Chicago offers standalone musicianship courses to anyone in the community, as well as mandatory theory classes for those in the audition-only Academy program. Courses through the musicianship program are available online and in person at multiple sites and are open to all, though MIC students receive a substantial discount. Courses include musicianship levels I-IV, precollege theory, and Royal College of Music leveled classes. Students can join in September or late January. Those in the Academy program receive music theory as part of their Saturday program, and offerings include beginner (fundamentals) through accelerated (second year of college and beyond) levels. Students learn theory, solfeggio, ear training, and some music history. Click here for more information on the community division programs and here for more information on the Academy music theory classes.
DePaul Community Division
DePaul’s precollege program offers musicianship courses that are open to all. These include an in-person music theory lab for high school students and individual instruction. More information is available here.
Midwest Young Artists
Students who are enrolled in orchestra may elect to participate in free music theory classes, and community members may join as well, though there may be a charge. Levels include two basic musicianship levels and two college preparatory levels that incorporate both theory and ear training. More information is available here.
Merit School of Music
Students enrolled in the tuition-free conservatory program have basic music theory instruction and occasional other theory options. More information is available here.
High School Programs
Many high schools offer basic music theory and AP music theory courses. Ask your high school about its offerings. For students in Chicago Public Schools who do not have these courses in their schools, a citywide option is sometimes available.
Summer Programs
Some summer camps offer music theory either as an elective or a requirement. Make sure to look for this element when choosing a program.
Online Options
Here are some online options available for those who cannot access a local program.
Music Institute of Chicago
Most of the courses described in the section above are also available in online formats at most levels. More information on the online programs is available here.
Juilliard School of Music Extension Program
Online theory and ear training courses are offered for all students both during the school year and the summer. Courses include separate classes in both theory and ear training at beginning through advanced levels. Courses typically begin in September, late January, and June. Click here for more information.
Interlochen
Online music theory classes are available throughout the year and include levels one through three. Most classes are four weeks long and include individual work with the instructor and a weekly meeting. More information is available here.
Peabody Preparatory
Peabody offers an online, year-long AP music theory course available to all students. More information is available here.
Online College and Homeschool Courses
Music theory is offered at many colleges in an online format as well as through some homeschool or online high school programs. Courses may be accessed directly through colleges or online schools, or through sites like Coursera and Udemy. Note that the quality and content of these courses varies widely, as does the type of course.
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